Stereotactic neurosurgery as a symptomatic treatment for autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review.

Stereotactic neurosurgery has been employed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, its safety and effectiveness remain unclear owing to limited sample size and other methodological limitations. We aimed to systematically investigate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic neurosurgery for ASD. Eleven studies with 36 patients were included. Stereotactic neurosurgery alleviated the obsessive-compulsive disorder and aggressive behavior symptoms in ASD, with a mean improvement of 42.74% and 59.59% in the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Overt Aggression Scale scores, respectively. Systematic studies are necessary to explore the role of deep brain stimulation for social and communication difficulties in ASD.

Analysis of the characteristics of retracted scientific papers in the field of global liver diseases published by Chinese scholars / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of scientific papers in the field of global liver diseases published by Chinese scholars that were retracted for diverse reasons from the Retraction Watch database, so as to provide a reference to publishing-related papers. Methods: The Retraction Watch database was retrieved for retracted papers in the field of global liver disease published by Chinese scholars from March 1, 2008 to January 28, 2021. The regional distribution, source journals, reasons for retraction, publication and retraction times, and others were analyzed. Results: A total of 101 retracted papers that were distributed across 21 provinces/cities were retrieved. Zhejiang area (n = 17) had the most retracted papers, followed by Shanghai (n = 14), and Beijing (n = 11). The vast majority were research papers (n = 95). The journal PLoS One had the highest number of retracted papers. In terms of time distribution, 2019 (n = 36) had the most retracted papers. 23 papers, accounting for 8.3% of all retractions, were retracted owing to journal or publisher concerns. Liver cancer (34%), liver transplantation (16%), hepatitis (14%), and others were the main areas of retracted papers. Conclusion: Chinese scholars have a large number of retracted articles in the field of global liver diseases. A journal or publisher chooses to retract a manuscript after investigating and discovering more flawed problems, which, however, require further support, revision, and supervision from the editorial and academic circles.

Study on the apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelium cells induced by EGCG / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)on the apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelium(ARPE-19)cells and its mechanism. METHODS:The ARPE-19 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with 0,40,80 and 160 μg/mL EGCG, respectively. At the proposed time of treatment the morphological changes were detected by hoechst 33258 staining. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related factors B lymphocytoma-2 gene(bcl-2), BCL2-Associated X protein(Bax),caspase-3 and p53 were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS: Hoechst 33258 staining showed that the ARPE-19 cells with the increase of EGCG drug concentration, the number of apoptotic cells gradually increased and the apoptotic bodies were observed. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate increased gradually with the increase of EGCG drug concentration. The apoptosis rates at 40, 80 and 160 μg/mL were 4.95%±0.071%, 11.75%±0.075% and 21.25%±0.919% respectively, which was significantly different compared with the control group(2.8%±1.556%)(P<0.01), presented with a drug concentration-dependent. The results of quantitative PCR and Western blotting showed that EGCG could significantly up-regulate the expression of apoptosis-promoting factors Bax, caspase-3 and the mRNA and protein expression of p53, and down-regulate the apoptosis-inhibiting factor bcl-2, all of these showed concentration-dependent effects.CONCLUSION:EGCG can obviously induce the apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells. The mechanism is related with the inhibition of bcl-2 and increase the expression of Bax, caspase-3 and p53.

Current status of acute pancreatitis related clinical trial registrations in China / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To analyze the registration status of acute pancreatitis-related clinical studies registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) and USA ClinicalTrials.gov database.Methods:The ChiCTR and ClinicalTrials.gov database were searched to collect, sort and analyze the clinical studies related to acute pancreatitis registered from the establishment of the database to December 31, 2020. The clinical trials were manually grouped, and the features of clinical researches were compared based on different registered data (2007-2014 vs 2015-2020) and different financial sources (self-support, enterprise support or public support). Results:A total of 157 registered clinical studies related to acute pancreatitis have been included (ChiCTR n=99; ClinicalTrial.gov n=58). The top three areas with the greatest number of registered clinical studies were Sichuan (28.0%), Shanghai (14.6%) and Jiangsu (12.1%), totally accounting for 54.7%. There were 91 interventional studies, 41 observational studies and 25 other type studies. Masking was performed in 34 studies (21.6%). Randomized parallel controlling was performed in 84 studies (53.5%). 30 trials (19.1%) were at Ⅳ phase, and 7 trials (4.4%) were at Ⅱ or Ⅲ phase. 2007-2014 group tended to use randomized parallel controlled design (68.3% vs 45.4%, P=0.005) and randomization grouping (76.7% vs 47.4%, P=0.001). 2015-2020 group tended to use relatively large sample (72.6% vs 47.4%, P=0.002)and data management committee (53.6% vs 25.0%, P=0.001). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Of 92 trials from ChiCTR database, 48 were self-supported, 5 was supported by enterprise, and 38 was supported by the public. The percentage of self-support and public support was 86.9%. Conclusions:The number of acute pancreatitis-related clinical studies registered on ChiCTR was generally on the increase. Most registered studies were funded by public finances or by the researchers' institutions self. There was a lack of phaseⅡ or phase Ⅲ.

Research focuses and advances in professionalism studies in the field of nursing based on Web of Science / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To analyze the focuses and advances of professionalism studies in the field of nursing,and to provide reference for China′s nursing research. Methods Papers published from 1997 to 2016 on professionalism in nursing were retrieved from "Web of Science TMcore collection" citation database using the strategy of"Mesh=(professionalism AND Nurs*)".The knowledge atlas of the relevant literature of nursing professionalism were displayed by citespace visual analysis software. Results From 1997 to 2016, papers on professionalism in nursing amounted to 265, with the USA having the largest amount of publication of 32.94%,followed by the UK(8.67%)and Australia(8.30%),China was at No.7 on the list, accounting for only 3.77%. It was found that there was a wide range of research on professionalism studies in the field of nursing in foreign countries, including nursing education, nursing student, nursing profession, professional development, etc. Conclusions Nursing professionalism research mainly concentrated in nursing education in foreign,the present research on nursing professional spirit is still in its preliminary exploration phase in China. It should optimize the structure of nursing education and promote the development of nursing students professional.

Effect of intracranial Cryptococcus neoformans infection on the function of efflux transporter breast cancer-resistance protein / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of intracranial Cryptococcus neoformans (Cr.neoformans) infection on the function of fluconazole transport by breast cancer-resistance protein (BCRP),a kind of efflux transporter on the blood-brain barrier (BBB).Methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 each):normal rats received 20mg/kg fluconazole by intravenous injection (Group A),normal rats received 20mg/kg fluconazole with co-administration of pantoprazole (a kind of BCRP inhibitor) by intravenous injection (Group B),rats with intracranial Cr.neoformans infection received 20mg/kg fluconazole (Group C),and infected rats received 20mg/kg fluconazole with co-administration of pantoprazole (Group D).Microdialysis probes were implanted into the rats' striatum to continuously collect brain extracellular fluid (ECF) after the intravenous infusion of fluconazole with or without BCRP inhibitor pantoprazole.High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to measure the fluconazole concentrations in blood and brain ECF.The area under the concentration-time curves of fluconazole and the penetration of fluconazole passing though BBB were then calculated.Results Meningoencephalitis rat model was successfully established by intracerebral inoculation of Cr.neoformans.The infection significantly increased the penetration of fluconazole passing through BBB (P＜0.05).Pantoprazole did not alter the distribution of fluconazole in normal rat's brain,but significantly increased the penetration of fluconazole passing through BBB of the infected rats (P＜0.05).Conclusion Cr.neoformans infection can reduce the BBB resistance to fluconazole,and induce the efflux transport of fluconazole from the brain ECF back into the blood by BCRP.

Multimode magnetic resonance imaging of leukoaraiosis / 国际脑血管病杂志

Leukoariaosis, or white matter lesions, are characterized by bilateral, mostly symmetrical hyperintensities on T 2-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI, and are associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and cognitive decline. This article reiews multimode magnetic resonance imaging of leukoaraiosis, including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Increased expression of interleukin 17 in the cortex and hippocampus from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common form of focal epilepsies in adults and proinflammatory cytokines have long been thought to play an important role in pathogenesis and epileptogenicity. In the present study, we investigated the levels and expression patterns of the interleukin 17 (IL-17) system in temporal neocortex and hippocampus from 24 patients with MTLE and 8 control (Ctr) samples. We found that IL-17 and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) were clearly upregulated in MTLE at both mRNA and protein levels, compared with Ctr. Immunostaining indicated that neurons, astrocytes, microglia and endothelial cells of blood vessels are the major sources of IL-17. These findings suggest that IL-17 system may be involved in the pathogenesis and epileptogenicity of MTLE.

Downregulation of CD47 and CD200 in patients with focal cortical dysplasia type IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex.

BACKGROUND: Focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCD IIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are well-recognized causes of chronic intractable epilepsy in children. Accumulating evidence suggests that activation of the microglia/macrophage and concomitant inflammatory response in FCD IIb and TSC may contribute to the initiation and recurrence of seizures. The membrane glycoproteins CD47 and CD200, which are highly expressed in neurons and other cells, mediate inhibitory signals through their receptors, signal regulatory protein α (SIRP-α) and CD200R, respectively, in microglia/macrophages. We investigate the levels and expression pattern of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R in surgically resected brain tissues from patients with FCD IIb and TSC, and the potential effect of soluble human CD47 Fc and CD200 Fc on the inhibition of several proinflammatory cytokines associated with FCD IIb and TSC in living epileptogenic brain slices in vitro. The level of interleukin-4 (IL-4), a modulator of CD200, was also investigated. METHODS: Twelve FCD IIb (range 1.8-9.5 years), 13 TSC (range 1.5-10 years) patients, and 6 control cases (range 1.5-11 years) were enrolled. The levels of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The expression pattern of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis, and the cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assays. RESULTS: Both the messenger RNA and protein levels of CD47, SIRP-α, and CD200, as well as the mRNA level of IL-4, were downregulated in epileptogenic lesions of FCD IIb and TSC compared with the control specimens, whereas CD200R levels were not significantly changed. CD47, SIRP-α, and CD200 were decreasingly expressed in dysmorphic neuron, balloon cells, and giant cells. CD47 Fc and CD200 Fc could inhibit IL-6 release but did not suppress IL-1ß or IL-17 production. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that microglial activation may be partially caused by CD47/SIRP-α- and CD200/CD200R-mediated reductions in the immune inhibitory pathways within FCD IIb and TSC cortical lesions where chronic neuroinflammation has been established. Upregulation or activation of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R may have therapeutic potential for controlling neuroinflammation in human FCD IIb and TSC.

Elevated Expression of VEGF-C and Its Receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, in Patients with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a frequent form of focal intractable epilepsy in adults. We previously reported overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and its receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, in epilepsy-associated tuberous sclerosis complex. To identify whether VEGF-C and its receptors are involved in epileptogenesis of MTLE, we investigated the levels and expression pattern of VEGF-C and its receptors in temporal neocortex and hippocampus (HPC) from 28 patients with MTLE and ten control (CTX) subjects. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting results revealed upregulated mRNA and immunoreactive protein levels of VEGF-C, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 in the MTLE group compared to the control groups. Immunohistochemistry and double-labeled immunofluorescence showed that VEGF-C was highly expressed in neurons and astrocytes, including reactive astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells, VEGFR-2 was expressed at a high level in reactive astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells, but not in neurons, whereas VEGFR-3 was only overexpressed in reactive astrocytes. Taken together, these findings suggest that VEGF-C and its receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, may contribute to the epileptogenesis of MTLE.

Inhibition of notoginsenoside R1 on SOCE in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells of pulmonary hypertension rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To evaluate the effects of notoginsen-oside R1 on store-operated calcium entry ( SOCE ) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells ( PASMCs ) of chronic hypoxia ( CH)-and monocrotaline ( MCT)-in-duced pulmonary hypertension ( PH) rats. Methods Mn2+ quenching of Fura-2 and measurement of intra-cellular free calcium concentration ( [ Ca2+] i ) using fluo-3 were examined in PASMCs of CH-exposed and MCT-treated rats. Results ①CH-exposed and MCT-treated rats exhibited profound PH when examined 3 weeks after hypoxia exposure or MCT injection, respec-tively. ②In the presence of 3 μmol·L-1 nifedipine, 10 μmol · L-1 notoginsenoside R1 significantly re-duced cyclopiazonic acid ( CPA )-induced the percent reduction in Fura-2 fluorescence measured 500 sec af-ter application of Mn2+, the maximal rate of Mn2+quenching, the amplitude of the Ca2+ influx transient and the resting [ Ca2+] i in PASMCs of CH-exposed and MCT-treated rats. Conclusion Notoginsenoside R1 inhibits SOCE and reduces resting [ Ca2+] i in PASMCs of CH-and MCT-induced PH rats.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates toxin-induced neuronal damage via Nrf2-dependent glial cells-mediated protective activity in Parkinson's disease models.

Salvianolic acid B (SalB), a bioactive compound isolated from the plant-derived medicinal herb Danshen, has been shown to exert various anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in several neurological disorders. In this study, we sought to investigate the potential protective effects and associated molecular mechanisms of SalB in Parkinson's disease (PD) models. To determine the neuroprotective effects of SalB in vitro, MPP+- or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuronal injury was achieved using primary cultures with different compositions of neurons, microglia and astrocytes. Our results showed that SalB reduced both LPS- and MPP+-induced toxicity of dopamine neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, SalB treatment inhibited the release of microglial pro-inflammatory cytokines and resulted in an increase in the expression and release of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) from astrocytes. Western blot analysis illustrated that SalB increased the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). The knockdown of Nrf2 using specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) partially reversed the SalB-induced GDNF expression and anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, SalB treatment significantly attenuated dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss, inhibited neuroinflammation, increased GDNF expression and improved the neurological function in MPTP-treated mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that SalB protects DA neurons by an Nrf-2 -mediated dual action: reducing microglia activation-mediated neuroinflammation and inducing astrocyte activation-dependent GDNF expression. Importantly the present study also highlights critical roles of glial cells as targets for developing new strategies to alter the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.

Down-regulated expression of acid-sensing ion channel 1a in cortical lesions of patients with focal cortical dysplasia.

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) represents a well-recognized cause of medically intractable epilepsy. Previous studies have indicated that seizures can reduce brain pH and then eliminate seizure discharges. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are H(+)-gated cation channels that are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. To understand the potential roles of ASIC1a in the epileptogenesis of FCD, we investigated the expression and distribution patterns of ASIC1a in surgical specimens from patients with FCD and age-matched normal cortices (CTX). Decreased ASIC1a messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were detected in FCD compared with CTX. Moreover, the expression of ASIC1a was significantly lower in FCD type II than FCD type I. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that the overall immunoreactivity of the ASIC1a staining was diminished in the dysplastic cortices of FCD compared to the CTX samples. In FCD, ASIC1a immunoreactivity was mainly observed in reactive astrocytes and a minority of malformed cells, including hypertrophic neurons, dysmorphic neurons, and balloon cells. Confocal analysis demonstrated that most malformed cells expressing ASIC1a were co-labeled with neuronal rather than astrocytic markers, indicating a neuronal lineage. In conclusion, the downregulation and altered cellular distribution of ASIC1a in FCD suggest that ASIC1a may potentially contribute to the epileptogenesis of FCD.

Expression of the interleukin 17 in cortical tubers of the tuberous sclerosis complex.

The role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) to epilepsy-associated cortical tubers of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is unknown. We investigated the expression patterns of the IL-17 and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) in cortical tubers of TSC compared with normal control cortex (CTX). We found that IL-17 and IL-17R were clearly upregulated in cortical tubers at the protein levels. Immunostaining indicated that IL-17 was specifically distributed in the innate immunity cells (DNs, GCs, astrocytes, and microglia) and adaptive immunity cells (T-lymphocytes) as well as the endothelial cells of blood vessels. The overexpression and distribution patterns of IL-17 may be involved in the epileptogenicity of cortical tubers in TSC.

The interleukin 17 system in cortical lesions in focal cortical dysplasias.

Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are increasingly recognized as important causes of medically intractable epilepsy. To understand the potential role of the interleukin 17 (IL-17) system in the epileptogenesis of FCDs, we studied the expression patterns of the IL-17 system in 15 FCD type Ia (FCDIa), 12 FCD type IIa (FCDIIa), and 12 FCD type IIb (FCDIIb) cortical lesions and compared the results with those in cerebral cortex from 10 control patients. Protein levels of IL-17, IL-17 receptor (IL-17R), and downstream factors of the IL-17 pathway (nuclear factor-κB activator 1 [NFκB; ACT1] and NFκB-p65) were markedly elevated in FCDIa, FCDIIa, and FCDIIb. Moreover, protein levels of IL-17 and IL-17R positively correlated with the frequency of seizures in FCD patients. Immunostaining indicated that IL-17 and IL-17R are highly expressed in neuronal microcolumns, dysmorphic neurons, balloon cells, astrocytes, and vascular endothelial cells. Nuclear factor-κB activator 1 and NFκB-p65 were diffusely expressed in FCDs. In addition, we detected a few IL-17-positive, CD4-positive T lymphocytes in FCDIIa and FCDIIb but not in FCDIa. Taken together, these findings suggest that the overexpression of the IL-17 system and the activation of the IL-17 signal transduction pathway may be involved in the epileptogenicity of cortical lesions in FCDs, thus representing a novel potential target for antiepileptic therapy.

Adenovirus mediated N19RhoA gene transfer attenuates neointimal formation in rats after carotid artery balloon injury / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of small G-protein RhoA in neointimal formation following rat carotid artery balloon injury and related mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male 3-4-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the present study (10 rats per group). Group A: control; Group B: carotid artery balloon injury; Group C: injury + Ad-CMV-eGFP + Pluronic F-127; Group D: injury + Ad-CMV-N19RhoA-eGFP + Pluronic F-127; Group E: non injury + Ad-CMV-eGFP + Pluronic F-127. Perivascular gene transfer of an adenovirus co-expressing N19RhoA was performed to rat carotid artery following balloon injury and the effect on neointimal formation and the expressions of PCNA and α-SM-actin examined. Rats were killed after 14 days.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The protein expression of RhoA in group B was significantly higher than in group A (P = 0.001), and the positive cells rate of PCNA and α-SM-actin which were assessed by immunohistochemistry in group C (45.2% and 75.6%) was significantly higher than in group D (28.4% and 51.9%, all P < 0.01). The area of neointima was significantly smaller [(0.14 ± 0.08) mm(2) vs. (0.23 ± 0.10) mm(2), P < 0.01], the luminal area was significantly larger [(0.47 ± 0.11) mm(2) vs. (0.31 ± 0.06) mm(2), P < 0.01] in group D than in group C.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Gene transfer of N19RhoA attenuates neointimal formation after balloon injury in rat carotid arteries possibly related to the modulating capacities of small G-protein RhoA on the proliferation, phenotypic differentiation and migration of vascular adventitial fibroblasts.</p>

Effects of high-volume hemofiltration on alveolar-arterial oxygen exchange in patients with refractory septic shock / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: High-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) is technically possible in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Continuous HVHF is expected to become a beneficial adjunct therapy for SAP complicated with MODS. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of fluid resuscitation and HVHF on alveolar-arterial oxygen exchange, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score in patients with refractory septic shock. METHODS: A total of 89 refractory septic shock patients, who were admitted to ICU, the Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University from August 2006 to December 2009, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: fluid resuscitation (group A, n=41), and fluid resuscitation plus high-volume hemofiltration (group B, n=48). The levels of O2 content of central venous blood (CcvO2), arterial oxygen content (CaO2), alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference P(A-a)DO2, ratio of arterial oxygen pressure/alveolar oxygen pressure (PaO2/PAO2), respiratory index (RI) and oxygenation index (OI) were determined. The oxygen exchange levels of the two groups were examined based on the arterial blood gas analysis at different times (0, 24, 72 hours and 7 days of treatment) in the two groups. The APACHE II score was calculated before and after 7-day treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: The levels of CcvO2, CaO2 on day 7 in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (CcvO2: 0.60±0.24 vs. 0.72±0.28, P<0.05; CaO2: 0.84±0.43 vs. 0.94±0.46, P<0.05). The level of oxygen extraction rate (O2ER) in group A on the 7th day was significantly higher than that in group B ( 28.7±2.4 vs. 21.7±3.4, P<0.01). The levels of P(A-a)DO2 and RI in group B on the 7th day were significantly lower than those in group A. The levels of PaO2/PAO2 and OI in group B on 7th day were significantly higher than those in group A (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The APACHE II score in the two groups reduced gradually after 7-day treatment, and the APACHE II score on the 7th day in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (8.2±3.8 vs. 17.2±6.8, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: HVHF combined with fluid resuscitation can improve alveolar- arterial-oxygen exchange, decrease the APACHE II score in patients with refractory septic shock, and thus it increases the survival rate of patients.

Growth inhibition and gene induction in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell exposed to sodium 4-phenylbutanoate / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Sodium 4-phenylbutanoate (NaPB) can induce cellular differentiation and cell cycle arrest. However, its potential anticancer properties in hepatocellular carcinoma and influence on normal liver cell are still unclear. We observed the effects of NaPB on growth inhibition, including differentiation and phase growth arrest in normal liver cell line L-02 and hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402. Furthermore, we investigated its mechanism in Bel-7402. METHODS; Hepatocellular carcinoma cells Bel-7402 and normal liver cell line L-02 were treated with NaPB at different concentrations. Light microscopy was used to find morphological change in cells. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Expression of acetylating histone H4 and of histones deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) were determined by Western blot. The expression of P21WAF1/CIP1 and E-cadherin were observed through immunocytochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NaPB treatment led to time dependent growth inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells Bel-7402. NaPB treatment caused a significant decline in the fraction of S phase cells and a significant increase in G0/G1 cells. NaPB increased the expression of P21(WAF1/CIP1) and E-cadherin in Bel-7402 and significantly decreased the level of HDAC4 in Bel-7402. NaPB significantly improved the level of acetylating histone H4. The normal liver cell line L-02 showed no distinct changes under treatment with NaPB.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NaPB inhibited the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells Bel-7402 and induced partial differentiation through enhancing the acetylating histones. In Bel-7402, the expressions of P21(WAF1/CIP1) and E-cadherin may be related to level of acetylating histones and inhibition of cellular growth. NaPB showed no significant effect on normal liver cells.</p>

Treatment of Bell's palsy with combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluation the clinical effect of combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine on Bell's palsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>83 patients with Bell's palsy were randomly divided into two groups (trail group 54 cases and control group 29 cases). Patients in two groups were treated with medicine, acupuncture, physiotherapy, while patients in the trail group were treated with massage and functional exercise as the same time. The results of both groups were evaluated according to Portmann's Simple Scale.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The score before treatment of trail group was 2.907 +/- 1.794, while control group was 2.931 +/- 2.034. And the score after treatment of trail group was 18.593 +/- 1.743, while control group was 9.862 +/- 3.091. Score of the function of facial muscles obtained from trail group was distinctly higher than that was from the control group (P < 0.01), as well as the improvement index (P < 0.01, trail group: 0.844 +/- 0.095, control group: 0.712 +/- 0.129).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is significant curative effect and suitability in the treatment of Bell's palsy with combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. The improvement of facial muscles' motive function pre- and post-treatment and quantitative evaluation of curative effect can be objectively obtained by evaluation of facial muscles' function.</p>

Effects of long-term ethanol intake on testosterone synthesis and androgen binding protein mRNA expression in rat testis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of different doses of alcohol on the synthesis of testosterone and the expression of androgen binding protein(ABP)mRNA in rat testis.Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups(10 rats each group)and received either distilled water(control group)or alcohol(alcohol-fed groups)for 5 months.Alcohol was administered by garage with a single daily dose : 5 g/kg(large dose group),2.5 g/kg(middle dose group)and 0.5 g/kg(small dose group).Testosterone content was measured by ELISA.mRNA levels of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors(PBR),PPARct and ABP were assayed by RT-PCR.Results Compared with control group:(1)ethanol feeding with daily doses of 5 g/kg,2.5 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg significantly decreased testosterone levels by 31.13%(P0.05)respectively,indicating that ethanol might impair testosterone synthesis;(2) mRNA levels of PBR were decreased in all three ethanol-treated groups(all P